American Speech & Accent Professionals

Anousith S. Tozzi, M. Ed., CCC-SLP
Senior Accent Modification Specialist

Anousith Tozzi, also known as "Ana", was born in Vientiane, Laos and immigrated to the United States at the age of six. Having had the benefit of being immersed in American culture at such a young age, Ana had no difficulty developing the English language and pronunciation skills of a native English speaker. However, she spent much of her life watching friends and family around her struggle while learning the English language and the pronunciation of English. She realized that in order to succeed in the United States, one must have a grasp of the English language and be able to communicate effectively. Therefore, she made a goal to become a teacher of English so that she could help individuals like her friends and family overcome these difficulties.

It was during her undergraduate studies that she discovered the field of Speech-Language Pathology. Ana developed a great passion for helping others with various disabilities and across all ages in the area of speech and language disorders. She later attended graduate school at Georgia State University and obtained a Master's of Education degree in Communication Disorders. She has since obtained experience in public school and home health settings, as well as state-funded early intervention programs.

Although she enjoyed working with children and adults in such settings, she did not forget her initial goal of helping others who speak English as a second language to improve their communication skills. Ana received certification as an Accent Trainer using the P-ESL Compton Program and sought out those individuals who needed her help. With compassion, understanding, and encouragement, Ana now offers her services to these individuals to help them maximize their social and professional opportunities by improving their pronunciation of American English.

Education

• Master of Education in Communication Disorders
  Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
• Bachelor of Science in Education in Speech-Language Pathology
  Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah, GA

Certifications

• Certified Accent Trainer in the P-ESL Compton Method
  Institute of Language & Phonology
• Certified Member Licensed to practice in the United States of America
  American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
• Georgia Educator Certificate
  Licensed to teach in the State of Georgia
• Georgia State Board of Examiners for Speech Pathology & Audiology
  Licensed to practice in the State of Georgia

Catrina M. Brown, M. A., CCC-SLP
Collaborative Partner

Ms. Brown’s specialty areas include accent modification, articulation and language. She has served as a Project Coordinator for a doctoral dissertation study (2008), Best Practices Roundtable co-facilitator (2008), Best Practices Roundtable presenter and facilitator (2006), Reading First Classroom Collaboration workshop liaison for Clayton County Public Schools (2005), Presenter at Sharing the Reading Experience: Ways to Help Your Child Learn and Grow (2002), and invited guest to Multicultural Leadership Symposium (1999).

Ms. Brown lives in Conyers, GA. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, scrapbooking, walking, and dining out with friends and family. She also participates in community service projects with the Beatrice Tolbert Hands of Worship sign language ministry and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Education

• Master of Arts Degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders
  Hampton University, Hampton, VA
• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders
  Hampton University, Hampton, VA

Certifications

• Compton P-ESL Accent Modification Program
• Certificate of Clinical Competency
• Georgia License in Speech and Language Pathology
• Georgia Teaching Certificate

Julia Weidmann, ESL Instructor at Georgia Tech

Julia’s interest in language instruction began in 1991 when she volunteered for an immigrant and refugee ESL program. Since then, she has taught ESL almost continuously in various programs in the United States and abroad. She is currently a faculty member at Georgia Tech University where she teaches English to international students and leads a medical ESL program. Julia specializes in creating curricula that go beyond the development of linguistic skills and empower students to use language as a tool for accomplishing their personal goals. Some of her special interests include accent modification, empathic communication and cultural competence. Julia’s passion for using language education to help individuals develop a sense of agency has not only shaped her professional career but also lead her to work in a variety of outreach programs including a Q’eqchi’/Spanish literacy program for women in Guatemala, a health literacy program for children in Nicaragua and an ESL vocational training program for adult immigrants in San Francisco, California.

Education

• Master of Arts Degree
  San Francisco State University, CA